Article

Effects of Dietary Energy Density and Frame Size on Performance and Body Composition of Feedlot Steers

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Abstract

Thirty-six steers were sorted by frame size and individually fed diets containing 2.4, 2.7, or 3.0 Mcal of ME/kg of DM to evaluate the effects of dietary energy density and animal frame size on performance and body composition. Frame size did not have an effect on performance or body composition. Steers fed the 2.4 or 2.7 Mcal/kg diet had a higher feed intake than those fed the 3.0 Mcal/kg diet, but they were less efficient. The results indicated that steers fed the diet with higher energy concentration deposited more fat earlier and had larger ribeye area than steers fed the diets with lower energy concentration. The results also indicated that dietary energy density affects composition of gain more than average daily gain.

Keywords: Animal Science, ASL R1830

How to Cite:

Ribeiro-Filho, C. C., Trenkle, A. H. & Loy, D. D., (2003) “Effects of Dietary Energy Density and Frame Size on Performance and Body Composition of Feedlot Steers”, Iowa State University Animal Industry Report 1(1).